Staff are celebrating after the birth of one of the world’s biggest babies at a British attraction.
The male southern white rhino calf is the latest addition to a thriving family.
The species is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List1.
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The birth represents a valuable contribution to international conservation efforts to protect the future of the animal.
Its cousin, the northern white rhino, is functionally extinct as only two females remain in the world.
The southern white rhino calf was born at Knowsley Safari, Merseyside.
He is the fourth to be born there in just four years.
He has been named Stanley in honour of the historic family name of the Earl and Countess of Derby, owners of Knowsley Estate, home of Knowsley Safari, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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Stanley joins a 10-strong rhino crash, one of the largest in the UK, which includes three-month-old Kamari; female rhino Bindi, born in February 2024; and Amara, also female and born in October 2022.
Lindsay Banks, ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Stanley to our crash.
“He’s bonding really well with mum, Meru, and will gradually be introduced to the rest of the crash in the coming weeks, when guests will be able to see him on the Safari Drive.
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“Naming our latest addition after the Stanley family is a fitting tribute to the remarkable heritage of Knowsley Estate and its long-standing commitment to wildlife.
“Being able to care for Stanley and his mum is an incredibly special experience.
“We’ve watched Meru’s progress through pregnancy, so seeing her confidently nurture a healthy, curious calf is a real privilege.
“Every rhino birth is significant for the species, but when you’ve been hands-on with their day‑to‑day care, it feels especially meaningful.
“Stanley’s already showing a strong personality, and we’re excited to watch him grow and eventually join the rest of the crash here at Knowsley.”
Lord Derby of Knowsley Estate said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the birth of this remarkable young rhino to Knowsley.
“To see such an important and near-threatened species thriving here is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Safari’s animal team.
“Having Stanley carry my family name is a deeply touching gesture, and I hope his arrival helps shine a light on the vital work being done to protect rhinos around the world.
“This birth is not only a moment of great pride for Knowsley Estate, but a symbol of hope for the future of southern white whino.”
The southern white rhino was nearly extinct near the end of the 19th century.
Numbers increased rapidly from 1992 to 2010, due to intensive protection and translocation efforts.
Poaching rates peaked in 2014 and as of December 2017, there were an estimated 18,064 southern white rhino in the wild with populations being assessed as Near Threatened since 2002.
White rhino trophy hunting was legalized and regulated in 1968, and after initial miscalculations is now generally seen to have assisted in the species’ recovery by providing incentives for landowners to boost rhino populations.
A Knowsley Safari spokesperson added: “These successful births are testament to Knowsley Safari’s specialist team of ungulate keepers and their commitment to exceptional animal husbandry, as well as the vast 550-acre habitat where the rhino thrive.”
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